On Thursday October 19 Masuk students put on their Halloween costumes two days early. As musicians from sixth through twelfth grade came together for the school’s Halloween concert. It was held from 7:00 to 8:00pm, and the auditorium was filled with families and audience members that watched as the middle and high school band and orchestra students performed a collection of Halloween-themed pieces.
The concert featured a variety of selections, beginning with the younger musicians and progressing to the older ensembles. Sixth and Seventh graders performed “Spider Web” by Cameron Law, “Shiver” by Randall Standridge, and “March of Shadows” by Brian Balmages. Seventh and eighth graders followed with “Walk of the Silent Zombies” by Bob Phillips and “Creatures” by Brian Balmages. The middle school performances also included “Goblins and Ghosts” by Katie O’Hara LaBrie and “Spooky Scary Skeletons,” arranged by orchestra teacher Mrs. Homann. The performance of ‘Spooky Scary Skeletons’ also featured a special solo by senior Richard Beirut.
The high school ensembles continued the evening with “Halloween Spooktacular” by Larry Moore, “Sinfonietta Fright Night” by Michael Hopkins, and “This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman, performed by the Masuk String Orchestra. The concert concluded with “A Rockin’ Halloween,” arranged by Michael Story, featuring both the Masuk String Orchestra and Masuk Band.
Outside of their wonderful performance, the concert offered students across different grade levels an opportunity to connect. Before the performances, high school musicians hosted a trick-or-treat activity in the courtyard for the younger performers, handing out candy before taking the stage themselves. Students also had opportunities to showcase their costumes between performances, adding to the Halloween spirit.
“I always like to have an opportunity for the younger kids to play alongside or hear the older kids,” Ances said. “I think that’s a great thing to do because, number one, it gives kids the young kids someone to look up to, but I think it’s a nice opportunity to mentor some of the younger kids.”
Band teacher Mr. Ances said he especially enjoys the opportunity to bring musicians from different grade levels and programs.
Senior Richard Beirut, who performed with the orchestra, also appreciated the opportunity to bring the strong musicians together.
“My favorite thing about our every two years Halloween concerts, it’s just, it’s a fun time that all the strings kids from middle school to high school get to come together and make a bunch of music,” Beirut said.
For sophomore Alex, attending his first Halloween concert as a performer offered a different perspective on the event. He explained that the high school students organized the trick-or-treat activity for the middle school musicians before the concert began.
The audience also took notice of the collaboration and musicianship displayed throughout the evening.Senior class president Dan described the concert as one of the most exciting events of the year, especially appreciating the opportunity to see how the students musical abilities developed across grade levels.
“My favorite part would have to be full orchestra pieces that they performed. The snare drum layered over the violin was beautiful,” Dan said.
With a full auditorium, Halloween costumes, and performances from different grade levels, this concert brought together Masuk’s music community for an evening that celebrated both their musical talent and the hard work as well as collaboration between younger and older students.
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